Five new West Coast marine reserves approved

Minister of
Conservation Dr Nick Smith today announced at the Bluegreens
Forum in Levin he has formally approved the new Kahurangi,
Punakaiki, Okarito, Tauparikaka and Hautai marine reserves
totalling 17,500 hectares on the West
Coast.

“These five new marine reserves were
unanimously recommended by the West Coast Marine Protection
Forum involving Ngāi Tahu, commercial and recreational
fishers, conservationists, tourism operators and councils.
It is a real tribute to the Forum that in a region where
conservation issues over forests, coal, gold and hydro
development have caused so much conflict that a consensus
has been found on marine conservation,” Dr Smith
says.

“There are currently no marine reserves
along the West Coast north of Fiordland. These reserves will
enhance understanding of the regions unique marine habitats
and complement the adjoining protected areas on land,
including three national parks and the Te Wahipounamu South
West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

“This is a
major step forward for marine conservation as it increases
the number of mainland marine reserves from 30 to 35,
boosting the area protected by 50 per cent from 33,574 to
51,102 hectares.

The Department of Conservation
publicly notified these new reserves last year after they
were agreed by the West Coast Marine Forum. There were 159
submissions received on the proposals – 155 in favour with
four objections. The Marine Reserves Act requires the
Minister of Conservation, after considering the submissions,
to decide whether to uphold any of the objections, or to
proceed. The decision to proceed means the process now goes
to the final stage of seeking the concurrence of the
Ministers of Primary Industries and Transport to enable the
reserves to be surveyed and gazetted later this year.

“We are a nation with some of the most
spectacular and unique coastlines in the world and we need
to recognise the importance and value of not only our
special places on land, but our marine habitats as well.”

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